Treating Minor Burns

With endless baking and cooking happening during Thanksgiving, it's not unlikely to get a nasty burn from the oven or stove. The treatment you choose depends on the severity of a burn, but in every case, immediate attention to the area is important.

Before inspecting the area to assess the degree of the burn itself, run the area under cold water for at least 10 minutes. It's important to note that you should never apply ice to a burn as it can increase tissue loss and the possibility of scar damage.

The next steps you should take are during the healing process.

• Regularly clean the burn gently with soap and water.
• Do not break blisters to avoid the possibility of infection.
• Apply ointment, such as Vaseline, Polysporin or aloe vera.
• Protect the area with gauze lightly taped or wrapped over it, changing it once daily.
• Burns can be painful. Over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol and Advil can be used for temporary relief. Use according to the directions on the bottle.

The last step is to be patient. Remember, even minor burns can take up to 3 weeks to heal.

If you're experiencing an increase in pain, redness, swelling, oozing or pus, or a fever, seek immediate medical attention. Accidents happen, but it's a good idea to review kitchen safety tips to avoid the pain of unnecessary injuries.